About // sarah NEALI am a figure skating coach, yogi, traveler, adjunct professor, lover of Spain and Spanish, almost vegan, self improvement nerd, collector of houseplants, and bookworm.
I started skating at the age of 4 and always wanted to be a coach. After a problematic relationship with the sport, compulsive perfectionism, and an eating disorder, I stopped competing to focus on college and trying to build a new identity. Life after skating led to even more disordered eating, depression, anxiety, and searching for something unknown. Eventually, my searching led me to study abroad in Spain, where I found myself at home with myself for the first time in many years. During graduate school for Spanish Linguistics, I decided to rewrite my skating story and return to the sport to coach. |
I have earned two Master ratings from the Professional Skaters Association, coached skaters in various disciplines at the regional and national level, led multiple students to US Figure Skating gold medals in three different skating disciplines, and have directed successful shows and learn to skate programs on two continents.
I gave my all to be the best coach I could be, but no level of success could fully protect me from the damage caused by years of comparisons and toxic relationships that I struggled to overcome. I hadn't learned the skills yet to heal, move forward, and connect to my true self. It wasn't until I began a consistent yoga practice in 2013 that I began to heal and feel comfortable in my own skin. Connecting with my breath and slowing down to be present on the mat was the greatest, most powerful transformation I had ever experienced. Eventually, I decided I had to share the power of yoga with the skating community. Now, I am on a mission to change the sport of figure skating - one practice at a time. I take over four decades of athletic experience and over two decades of teaching, coaching, directing, programming and life experience to help skating people find peace on the mat, on the ice, and within themselves. |
Through the lens of Patanjali's 8 limbs of yoga, I teach skating folks of all ages dismantle industry norms and begin a journey of self-improvement, helping them ditch the comparisons, let go of perfectionism, and connect with their true self.
The Skating Yogi will help you step onto the ice with unparalleled confidence.
Train smarter, skate better, and experience a more joyful skating journey.
The Skating Yogi will help you step onto the ice with unparalleled confidence.
Train smarter, skate better, and experience a more joyful skating journey.